One of the popular Anatolian resorts in Turkey - Side - was once an ancient Greek city. Ancient sources say that the history of Side as a Greek colony began in the seventh century BC. This colony was founded by immigrants from Kim Aeolian. However, by that time there was already a local population with an established written language and culture. The very name of the area was translated from their language as "pomegranate". It called Artemis by the same name. The Greeks really had a pomegranate as its symbol.
The city itself was located on a peninsula, so a large port was built here. When this area was under the Persians, the city was not destroyed, moreover, they began to mint their own coins here. When Alexander the Great came here already in 334, he managed to take this city without hindrance. However, such a well-located port could not fail to be noticed by someone in order to regain a comfortable position, therefore, several decades later, a struggle broke out between Syria and Rhodes for this outpost. Then Side became part of Pergamum and came under the rule of Rome.
Pirates conquer the city
The second century BC saw the city flourish as a major commercial port, cultural center, and place of public entertainment. However, already in the first century AD, the city was conquered by pirates. These gentlemen of fortune were from Cilicia. They were interested in Side in order to arrange a shipyard here to increase his fleet; develop the slave trade in such a busy place.
Side's reputation restored
Naturally, the city gained a bad reputation after such changes. But this glory came to an end when the city was taken by the Roman commander Pompey. However, the importance of the large shopping center of Side during the time of the pirate domination did not lose, so the Roman period was able to bring the city a worthless prosperity. In addition, Christianity began to spread in the country.
The Byzantine period of the city is associated with the organization of the episcopal see here. The city existed in this capacity until the 7th century, until it was plundered and burned as a result of the Arab invasion. Residents of the once prosperous Side were forced to leave their homes and go to Antalya. This is Side's story briefly.
Well-preserved parts of fortresses and fortifications built in different years of Side's existence have survived to this day. Some of them went under water, so they can be seen from the shore: they go for many kilometers from the shore into the distance.
